21 July 2025, SEOUL — Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Theresa Dizon-De Vega bid farewell to Vice Minister Kang Yunjin of the ROK Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) on 21 July 2025 at the Philippine Embassy in Seoul. During the meeting, Ambassador Dizon-De Vega and Vice Minister Kang warmly reflected on four years of robust and meaningful cooperation in the field of veterans affairs between the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. Both sides acknowledged the strong partnership that led to enhanced programs honoring Filipino veterans of the Korean War. Milestones such as high-level exchanges and the successful 2023 Ministerial Summit on Veterans Affairs marking the 70th anniversary of the Korean War Armistice, have further strengthened bilateral cooperation and underscored both countries’ shared commitment to honoring veterans and supporting their descendants. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega conveyed her sincere appreciation to all individuals and organizations who played a vital role in advancing veterans’ affairs and honoring the legacy of Filipino Korean War veterans over the years—particularly highlighting the special tribute paid in 2022 by the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs (MPVA) to the late President and PEFTOK veteran Fidel V. Ramos. 

Ambassador Dizon-De Vega sought the MPVA’s continued commitment to honoring and recognizing the 7,420 Filipino veterans of the Philippine Expeditionary Forces to Korea (PEFTOK), who served with distinction during the Korean War in the 1950s. She also noted the increasing focus on extending support to the descendants of veterans as part of the enduring legacy of friendship between the two nations. Continued engagements, from joint medical missions to educational programs and veterans’ welfare initiatives, reaffirm the PH-ROK strategic partnership goal of fostering lasting solidarity in honor of our veterans. 

Vice Minister Kang reaffirmed MPVA’s dedication to working closely with the Philippine Embassy in Seoul, the Office of the Defense and Armed Forces Attaché, and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to advance veterans' welfare and honor their sacrifices after the Ambassador’s tenure, further deepening the shared values and historic ties that continue to bind the Philippines and the Republic of Korea. END